Unusual Ilongot Work Knife/Weapon

Robert · 27th August 2020, 04:33 AM

Thank you all very much for your kind words and thoughts on this most interesting, unusual and probably rare item. If it is the consensus that my latest treasure (even though not an actual weapon) was most likely used as a ceremonial rice harvesting knife I couldn't be happier. As we all know anything can be used as a weapon, but to me finding the original intended purpose of an item such as this is much more important. I now hope to someday find a photo or drawing of another example of this knife (or at least very similar) with a description of its use or (if you are going to dream you might as well dream big) an old photo showing one actually being used.

My next project will be trying to find someone who can identify what animal the bone being used as a guard was originally from. I have now had two individuals suggest that there is a good chance that it could be human.

Personally I would prefer to find that it is from a water buffalo instead. Any other comments or suggestions on this piece would also be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Robert

Ian · 27th August 2020, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

... My next project will be trying to find someone who can identify what animal the bone being used as a guard was originally from. I have now had two individuals suggest that there is a good chance that it could be human. ...

From the shape of it, being somewhat triangular, it could be a human tibia. That was my first impression. The Ilongot were noted headhunters, a habit persisting well into the 20th C.

kai · 27th August 2020, 01:02 PM

Hello Robert,

Quote:

My next project will be trying to find someone who can identify what animal the bone being used as a guard was originally from.

There will be quite a few possible contenders to have "sponsored" this piece of bone. In its current condition, it is unlikely that a comparative analysis of the structure is feasible to yield any clear result.

I believe the only straightforward approach would be to test the DNA; this would need a small hole to be drilled into the bone. A sample could be taken from the inside alternatively. I guess though, you'd not be keen on having this ferrule temporarily removed from the hilt, too...

While it would be interesting to know the origin of the bone, I'm not sure it is of enough importance to initiate scientific analysis.

Regards,
Kai

27th August 2020, 04:33 AM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Thank you all very much for your kind words and thoughts on this most interesting, unusual and probably rare item. If it is the consensus that my latest treasure (even though not an actual weapon) was most likely used as a ceremonial rice harvesting knife I couldn't be happier. As we all know anything can be used as a weapon, but to me finding the original intended purpose of an item such as this is much more important. I now hope to someday find a photo or drawing of another example of this knife (or at least very similar) with a description of its use or (if you are going to dream you might as well dream big) an old photo showing one actually being used. My next project will be trying to find someone who can identify what animal the bone being used as a guard was originally from. I have now had two individuals suggest that there is a good chance that it could be human. Personally I would prefer to find that it is from a water buffalo instead. Any other comments or suggestions on this piece would also be greatly appreciated. Best, Robert